Despite making up nearly half of the voters female students at Jahangirnagar University (JU) are showing little interest in contesting the upcoming Jucsu election as many are citing cyber bullying and social harassment as the main deterrents.
Due to female students’ reluctance to participate in Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (Jucsu) election there has been a shortage of candidates in both the central student council and hall council elections.
In most of the female halls, no candidates were found for several posts highlighting a clear lack of competition.
Talking to UNB, several female students said they fear online propaganda, distorted images, personal attacks and a lack of equal opportunities in a male-dominated political culture.
As active political organisations are dominating the scene it has become more of a political platform than a representative forum and so general students are less interested, they said.
Some of them said Jucsu election is being held after 33 years and many are still unclear about its procedures.
Assistant General Secretary (AGS) candidate from “Shikkharthi Oikya Forum” panel, Malihah Namla said, “The main reason behind women’s reluctance is cyber bullying. Lack of equal opportunities also plays a major role. Families discourage their daughter fearing personal attacks and propaganda.”
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She said raising social awareness, holding seminars and campaigns, and ensuring exemplary punishment for cyber bullies will encourage greater female participation.
AGS candidate Ayesha Siddika Meghla from the “Somonnito Shikkharthi Jote” panel said, “When a woman tries to take the lead she is bullied, tagged, and bashed. She is labelled differently depending on her ideology. Families, too, hesitate thinking their daughters will face humiliation. As a result, many women cannot step forward despite their competence and willingness.”
According to election commission data, a total of 813 nomination papers were distributed for central and hall-level posts but only 740 were submitted.
Of them, 273 were filed for central positions and 467 for hall-level posts.
In the male dormitories, nearly all posts have multiple candidates but in female halls show significant gaps.
Jahangara Imam Hall received 16 nominations, Pritilata Hall 13, Begum Khaleda Zia Hall 11, and Sufia Kamal Hall 10, Nawab Faizunnesa Hall and No 12 female dormitory saw only six submissions each, the lowest among all halls.
Read more: JUCSU elections: Non-students ordered to leave halls by August 16
The shortage of female candidates has sparked mixed reactions on campus. Students and teachers believe structural barriers, lack of family support, and inadequate understanding of the election process have contributed to women’s reluctance.
Chief Election Commissioner of Jucsu Dr Md Moniruzzaman said the commission has not yet received any formal complaint of cyber bullying or harassment.
“If we get such complaints we will investigate and take action. After 33 years we are arranging the Jucsu polls and all students should have the opportunity to participate. No one should be pushed away by harassment,” he added.